One of the main criticisms leveled at US football in recent years has been its insistence on producing athletes, rather than technical and tactically savvy players.

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The US Men's National Team's (USMNT) youngest ever goalscorer, Pulisic stirs excitement in his homeland like never before. His gangly frame and technical prowess break the mold of the archetypal US soccer player.

Already with 14 senior caps to his name and over 50 first-team appearance for Bundesliga giants Dortmund, it's easy to forget Pulisic is still only 18-years-old.

But rather than viewing the weight of expectation as a burden, Pulisic is relishing every moment of his fledgling career.

"It's been amazing," he tells CNN Sport anchor Patrick Snell. "Everything has happened so fast. Of course I'm still so young but I wouldn't change a thing. It really is a dream come true to me.

It wasn't his debut for the USMNT, nor his first international goal. It wasn't even his first Champions League goal, an impudent chip -- a "truly special" moment -- against Benfica that made him the competition's youngest American scorer.

It came during last year's Copa America Centenario, the 100th anniversary of South America's most prestigious tournament, held on home soil.

Though the USMNT exceeded expectations on the pitch by reaching the semifinals in impressive fashion, Pulisic's crystallizing moment came when he found out he was immortalized on a Panini trading card.

"I don't know if I had a particular idol," Pulisic says of his own collection growing up. "But, you know, I always loved collecting cards from all sports and it was a big honor to be part of that Panini family."

Mexico rivalry

In his brief career so far, Pulisic's experiences have been overwhelmingly positive.

He's consistently set records, both at club and international level, and another successful season culminated in him winning a first major trophy, as Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt to lift the German Cup.

Thursday's victory over Trinidad and Tobago moved the USMNT into the third and final automatic qualifying place at the halfway stage, although consistency under re-appointed head coach Bruce Arena will need to improve to guarantee qualification.

Two goals against Trinidad mean Pulisic has now had a hand in the USMNT's previous eight goals (four goals, four assists).

He remains unfazed about his country's inconsistent form and -- as he has done throughout his career -- is maintaining a cool head and showing a maturity beyond his years.

"I mean, we just have to stick to our game plan," he says matter-of-factly. "We have some tough matches coming up, but I think a big quality in this team is that we always respond well.

"After tough situations against Mexico and Costa Rica, we responded well with a win and a tie.

"So now it's just about staying consistent and coming out with three points in this next game for sure and just continue to battle. That will give us a good chance to qualify for the World Cup."

Dortmund

Although the end of Pulisic's club season was just 12 days ago, a lot has already changed at Dortmund.

Thomas Tuchel was sacked as coach just three days after leading the club to a first trophy in five years -- amid reports of a relationship breakdown between him and the board -- and replaced by Peter Bosz, the man who led Ajax to the Europa League final.